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What Georgia’s New Laws Mean for DeKalb

During the 2025 legislative session, CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson actively advocated for stronger public safety, housing accountability, and protections for vulnerable residents. She followed key bills through the full 40-day session - meeting with lawmakers, elevating local concerns, and pushing for real change.

HB 513  

SDS Provisions that include DeKalb County Gas Station Camera Ordinance Reinstated Through Amendment

What this means: A recent change to House Bill 513 reinstates an important public safety provision in DeKalb County. Lawmakers have reinstated the ordinance requiring gas stations to install video surveillance cameras—a measure that had previously been struck down by a last-minute legislative change in 2024. 

During the 2025 session, the General Assembly approved an amendment that grandfathers in any local ordinance passed before May 6, 2024. That update means DeKalb’s camera requirement is restored. The original bill originated in DeKalb County and was authored by CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson in 2022

Click here to read more

HB 92  

Exemptions for Sales Tax and Property Tax Transparency, Effective April 1, 2025, and applicable to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

What It Means:

From public funding protections to property tax transparency—Additionally, HB 92 includes the following provisions:

• MARTA sales tax no longer counts toward the local cap
• Clearer property tax bills
• Homestead exemption clarified and extended to surviving spouses
• Opt-out rules for local governments updated
• More transparency in how tax rates are set

Click here to read more.

HB 399

In State Staff Requirement for Landlords 

What this means: This legislation requires landlords with 25 or more single-family or duplex rental properties in the state to have a licensed contact person. This person is responsible for managing communications with tenants concerning maintenance and related issue. It also allows code enforcement professionals to obtain the contact information of these property managers when there is probable cause for a code violation. 

Click here to read more

HB 331 - Prohibition of Roadside Animal Sales

What it means: This legislation makes it unlawful for anyone to transfer ownership of an animal at any roadside, public right of way, parkway, median, sidewalk, park, fair, recreation area, fair, flea market, public/commercial parking lot, or similar outdoor or transient market location regardless of whether any person or entity authorizes this activity.

Click HB331 to read more

As of July 1, several new state laws have officially taken effect across Georgia. Many of these laws directly impact families, workers, students, and neighborhoods in DeKalb County. Below is a roundup of the ones most relevant to our community.

Income Tax Cut - HB 111

Georgia’s flat income tax rate has decreased slightly, with long-term plans to lower it further—offering some financial relief to residents.

Child Tax Credit Expansion - HB 136

Families with young children may qualify for a $250 tax credit per child under age 6, along with an increase in dependent care credits.

Equal Pay for Workers with Disabilities - SB 55

Georgia has ended the use of subminimum wages for people with disabilities, ensuring fair compensation for all.

Landlord Accountability - HB 399

Out-of-state landlords must now have a local representative listed for emergencies or urgent tenant needs.

Insurance Notice Requirements - SB 35

Insurance companies must now give advance notice before canceling a homeowner’s policy—giving residents more time to respond.

More Funding for Public Schools - HB 371

The state has increased K–12 education funding by $75 million to help improve classroom resources and outcomes.

Keeping Students in School - SB 123

Schools can no longer expel students just for missing too many days. Instead, they are encouraged to use supportive strategies to keep students engaged.

Safer Classrooms - SB 175

All early childhood workers will now undergo stricter background checks, and cellphones must be stowed during the school day in grades K–8 to reduce distractions.

Support for Expecting Mothers - SB 352

Health insurance plans must now offer better coverage for those managing gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Protecting Access to IVF - HB 428

Georgia has passed a law that formally protects the right to in vitro fertilization for individuals and families seeking reproductive care.



Addressing the Opioid Crisis - SB 79

Penalties for fentanyl trafficking have increased in response to the growing threat the drug poses across the state.

Justice for Survivors - HB 582

Survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking who were forced into illegal acts can now request a reduced sentence or legal relief.

Support for the Wrongfully Convicted - SB 244

People who were wrongfully convicted can now seek financial compensation, including repayment of attorney fees.

Pets Included in Protective Orders - HB 177

Survivors of family violence can now include their pets in protective orders, helping them leave unsafe situations without leaving animals behind.

FROM THE OFFICE OF CEO LORRAINE COCHRAN-JOHNSON